CYCLING THROUGH JAPAN

Diamondback Insight (~$400 new) I've been riding this bicycle for several years now and I know it inside and out. It's classified as a "hybrid/commuter" with aluminum frame/fork, 700cc Equation double walled wheels, 700x32C tires, Shimano 21 speed gearing (7rear/3front), and it's got all the mounts for the rack placement on the rear.

WTB Slick Flatguard Sport Tires (~$25 new) Price is for one tire, these come in 700x32 for my bicycle. I will be pairing this up with extra thick inner tubes. They should be able to withstand the abuse of 1800 miles.

Axiom Front Rack (~$27 new on Ebay) There is one bolt near the axle and the U-clamp holds the upper part of the rack to the forks. You will need front racks if you plan on using front panniers in addition to the rear panniers.

Transit Rear Rack (~$25 new) I've had this on my bike for a while, and they seem to be holding up well. The only issue I have is that the horizontal support beams that mount behind the rear saddle area of the frame obstructs with the pull brake cable a little bit.

Ortleib Panniers ($247 used on eBay) Everyone seems to like these panniers so I am following the crowd on this. They are waterproof and you can pack a bunch of stuff in it. It clamps on and off easily so it's not a hassle. I got a pretty good deal for a full set front and rear on eBay. Check there first if you plan on buying some.

Cygolite Pace 750 (~$100 new) It's expensive, but worth it. 750 lumens and the batteries are rechargeable via USB port. Since it's dark in the countryside at night, I figured it was best to have a good quality light. This is something I wouldn't skimp on from past experience. You want to have a reliable light source with you always.

Eureka Solitaire (~$80 new) I bought this solo tent for backpacking a few years ago. It has a rain fly which can be removed for those warm summer nights when you want to sleep under the stars. There is also plenty of room for your other things such as backpack, shoes, etc.

Topeak Hexus II (~$20 new) I got this as a gift from my awesome girlfirend. This pretty much has it all: various allen keys/chain breaker/screwdrivers/tire lever...I can take my bicycle apart with only this tool. Maybe not the crank/bottom bracket or the pedals, but stuff like my stem, brakes, gears, and the tires. I will still have to carry a pump though.

Nomad 7 Solar Panel (~$80 new) Another gift this time from my friend Tom...the solar panel will be perfect for charging my accessories while I am riding during the day. All you have to do is strap it onto the bike and make sure the sun is hitting the solar panel. This is a charger only. You will have to get another external battery pack if you want to store the charges. The iphone is a little finicky per user reviews so it's better to use this to charge an external battery pack first.

RAVPower Luster 6000mAh external battery pack (~$30 new) My girlfriend also got me this cool little gadget. This external battery pack stores enough juice to charge my iphone 5 several times over. I plan on using the solar panel charger to charge this guy up...specs seem compatible.

Mountain Mirrcycle (~$18 new) This is going on my left side since I'll be riding on the opposite side of the road...scary thought. Another gift from my girlfriend, she's the best! It's also nice to have a mirror to look at yourself when you want to ask yourself why you're doing this.

Sleeping bag Inflatable sleeping pad/pillow Rain poncho Butane igniter Cup/utensils Camelbak water bladder Ample change of socks/undies/shirts Compass Headlamp Gloves Ski mask Camera Notebook PC Utility Knife Map Fishing gear Sunglasses